Collaborative Robots Market by Function (Hand Guiding, Power & Force Limiting, Safety-Rated Monitored Stop), Payload Capacity (Above 10kg, Between 5 & 10kg, Up to 5 Kg), Component, Industry, Application - Global Forecast 2024-2030

[181 Pages Report] The Collaborative Robots Market size was estimated at USD 2.38 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 3.43 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 46.37% to reach USD 34.36 billion by 2030.

Collaborative robots, commonly known as cobots, are engineered to work alongside human beings, performing tasks that range from simple, repetitive activities to complex processes. Unlike conventional industrial robots that operate within confined spaces, cobots are built with safety features that allow them to sense and respond to their human counterparts. This enables a synergistic relationship where humans and robots can share workspace and tasks without the risk of injury. The applications for collaborative robots are widespread and diverse, including but not limited to assembly, packaging, quality inspection, material handling, machine tending, and laboratory work. The end-use industries for cobots are similarly varied, encompassing automotive, electronics, metals and machining, plastics and polymer, food and beverage, healthcare, and others. The scope of the market extends globally, with a significant presence in both mature and emerging industrial nations. Growth in the collaborative robot market is largely driven by the robot's ability to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs. Other factors include growing demand attributed to automation, higher throughput, and better accuracy, the increasing penchant of industries toward automation and mobile cobots, adoption among SMEs due to low price coupled with high RoI, and rising integration of AI and improvement in the Machine Interface (HMI) to imitate human behavior. However, the adoption of collaborative robots is hindered by capability limitations related to safety, faster cycle time and repeatability, capital-intensive collaborative robots, issues related to massive deployment, and the development of better decision-making to work safely with humans. On the other hand, recent opportunities in the cobot market include expansion into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which was previously an untouched segment due to financial constraints. Technological innovations in the next-generation cobots and increasing adoption in manufacturing and industrial settings present potential opportunities for the market to grow in the coming years.

Hand guiding is a function that allows users to directly interact with a cobot by guiding its movements with their hands. Cobots equipped with hand guiding are often used in environments where precision and flexibility are required. This function is ideal for short-run production tasks, setups, or when direct human intervention is necessary. It is generally employed in operations where teaching the robot through manual manipulation is preferred over complex programming. Power and force-limiting robots are designed to work alongside humans without causing injury in case of accidental contact. This feature is critical in industries where cobots and humans share workspace for tasks such as machine tending, packaging, and quality inspection. It is preferred in scenarios with close human-robot collaboration without physical barriers. Industries with a heightened focus on worker safety often opt for this type of cobot. The safety-rated monitored stop function allows cobots to execute an emergency stop when a human enters the predefined safety zone. It is particularly suitable for applications where the cobot operates at high speed or carries heavy loads within a designated workspace. Speed reduction is triggered when a human approaches the cobot's operation area, and the cobot will slow down to minimize the risk of accidents. Separation monitoring involves maintaining a safe distance between the cobot and human employees, halting the robot's operation if this distance is breached. It is favored in dynamic environments where workers frequently enter and exit the cobot's working area, ensuring high-throughput productivity without compromising safety.

The hardware segment encompasses the physical components of collaborative robots, such as robotic arms, end effectors, sensors, drives, and controllers. Preferred hardware selection is predicated on the application's demand for precision, load capacity, reach, and robustness. Companies seek durable, reliable, and compliant hardware for safety and operational efficiency. Companies offer a range of end effectors that include grippers and tool changers tailored for precise manipulation and adaptive handling. Sensor technology is vital for the interactive nature of cobots. Accurate and responsive drives are crucial; providers offer high-quality drives that ensure the smooth operation of cobots. Efficient controllers optimize cobot movements for complex tasks. Software has a pivotal role in the operation of collaborative robots, offering user interface, programming capabilities, motion control, and integration with other systems. Software preference depends on the user's requirement for ease of programming, integration capacity with other factory systems, and the ability to upgrade and scale operations. While hardware and software are essential for cobot functionality, software increasingly drives value creation due to advancements in technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. However, it would only be actionable with the physical capabilities provided by the hardware.

The automotive sector is a pioneer in adopting collaborative robots, mainly for repetitive tasks, including assembly, machine tending, welding, and painting. These cobots work alongside humans to improve production efficiency and reduce strain on workers. Need-based preferences in this sector prioritize precision, consistency, and the ability to switch between tasks easily without significant downtime. The electronics industry employs cobots for intricate assembly tasks, testing, and handling delicate components. Speed, precision, and static and dust control are critical for manufacturers. Cobots with small footprints are also preferred due to limited space. In the food and beverage sector, cobots are increasingly found in packaging, palletizing, and quality inspection. Hygiene and the ability to work in cold and moisture-rich environments are necessary for cobots in this industry. They also help companies to comply with stringent food safety regulations. Cobots in the furniture and equipment field assist in a variety of tasks, such as CNC machine tending, sanding, and assembly. They need to be flexible enough to handle various sizes and shapes. Adaptability and ease of programming are preferred to cater to small batch runs and customization trends. In healthcare, cobots assist in laboratories, pharmacies, and even surgical procedures, offering precision and assistance without fatigue. They must meet high sterilization standards and often require a delicate touch to handle sensitive instruments and specimens. Cobots in metals and machining are used for tasks such as welding, material removal, and assembly. They need to be robust and handle the heavy payload, emphasizing safety, as they often work close to operators. The performance in harsh environments and the integration with existing machinery are also crucial. The plastics and polymers industry uses cobots primarily for pick-and-place, injection molding processes, and quality control. These cobots need to withstand high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Fast cycle times and repeatability are also valued for high-volume production.

Collaborative robots are increasingly employed in assembly applications where precision, repetition, and reliability are paramount. This segment includes the automotive, electronics, and consumer goods industries, where cobots work alongside humans to perform tasks such as screw driving, inserting components, and assembling complex items. Gluing and welding operations require precision and consistency to ensure strong bonds and joints. Cobots are sought after for their steady hands in applications such as coating, sealing, and joining different materials. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing of large structures often employ cobots. In machine tending, cobots load and unload machines such as CNC machines, injection molding machines, and presses. This application segment requires cobots to be highly compatible with various machinery and capable of operating with precision and safety. Industries favoring cobots for machine tending include metalworking, plastics, and foundries due to the reduction of idle times and enhancement of production rates. Material handling involves the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials throughout manufacturing. Cobots are equipped to handle materials of various sizes and weights, improving efficiency and workplace safety. They are popular in logistics, warehousing, and distribution centers. Packaging and palletizing demand high endurance and speed, especially in industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Cobots are instrumental for these applications because they can work long hours without fatigue and ensure product safety. Pick and place tasks are repetitive yet require flexibility and speed. Industries with high throughput, such as electronics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, adopt cobots for these tasks to improve productivity and reduce human error. Ensuring high-quality standards, cobots are utilized for precision tasks such as inspection, testing, and measurement. Cobots' consistency and ability to integrate with sensors and cameras make them ideal for industries, including automotive, aerospace, and semiconductors.

North America, particularly the United States and Canada, is undergoing a robust expansion in the collaborative robots market due to the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices and industrial automation across sectors such as automotive, electronics, and healthcare. With a high concentration of cobot manufacturers and technology embracement, the North American market is expected to maintain a leadership position. In South America, countries such as Brazil and Argentina are at the forefront of the adoption of cobots in the region, driven by the need to improve manufacturing efficiencies and reduce operational costs. The automotive sector shows considerable interest, while small and medium-sized enterprises gradually integrate cobots into their production lines. The EU's collaborative robot market is mature, with significant adoption across Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. The EU has active government policies facilitating innovation, including funding programs such as Horizon Europe. There is a strong emphasis on worker safety and ergonomic assistance, propelling the use of cobots. Furthermore, the presence of pioneering cobot companies and research institutions in Europe contributes significantly to the region's market growth. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) exhibit a slower uptake in collaborative robots as industries are in the early stages of automation. However, there is an emerging interest, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, due to a strategic shift towards non-oil industries and the adoption of smart manufacturing processes. The APAC region is anticipated to experience a high growth rate in the collaborative robots market globally. This surge is led by China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, with a high concentration of manufacturing and electronics industries. The region benefits from the availability of advanced technological infrastructure, a growing economy, and supportive government policies. Increasing labor costs and the pursuit to enhance productivity also drive the acceptance of cobots across various industry verticals. India shows growth potential with its 'Make in India' initiative, which aims to elevate the manufacturing sector.

The FPNV Positioning Matrix is pivotal in evaluating the Collaborative Robots Market. It offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining key metrics related to Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction. This in-depth analysis empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success: Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

The Market Share Analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth examination of the current state of vendors in the Collaborative Robots Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions in terms of overall revenue, customer base, and other key metrics, we can offer companies a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With this expanded level of detail, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

• Universal Robots continues its innovation journey by launching new 30 kg collaborative robot

  Universal Robots has announced plans to expand its leading product portfolio with UR30, a new 30 kg payload cobot. UR30 combines a compact form with a high-performance lift capacity, ensuring precision handling of significant loads, making it ideal for several applications, including machine tending, material handling, and high torque screw driving. [Published On: 2023-11-29]

• Agile Robots acquires Franka Emika

  Agile Robots AG has acquired Franka Emika GmbH, the developer of the Panda collaborative robot (cobot) arm. This merger is envisioned as a stepping stone towards cultivating a Bavarian tech powerhouse with international reach, exemplifying a commitment to advancing Industry 5.0. [Published On: 2023-11-13]

• South Korea's Doosan Robotics opens books for USD 318 million IPO

  Doosan Robotics Inc. has embarked on an Initial Public Offering (IPO) that might garner up to USD 318.3 million. The insightful move involved issuing 16.2 million shares, with a price range set between USD 15.60 and 19.32 won per share. [Published On: 2023-08-28]

The report delves into recent significant developments in the Collaborative Robots Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include ABB Ltd., Aubo (Beijing) Robotics Technology Co., Ltd, AutoGuide Mobile Robots, Comau S.p.A., Demaurex SA, DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED., Doosan Robotics Inc., Edgewater Automation, LLC, Elephant Robotics, Epson America, Inc., F&P Robotics AG, Fanuc Corporation, Franka Emika GMBH by Agile Robots AG, Hanwha Corporation, JAKA Robotics Co., Ltd., Kassow Robots ApS, Kawada Robotics Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kuka AG, Locus Robotics Corporation, MABI Robotic AG, MRK-Systeme GmbH, Neura Robotics GmbH, ONExia Inc., Productive Robotics, LLC, PROMATION INC., Rethink Robotics GmbH by HAHN Group, Robert Bosch GmbH, Shenzhen Yuejiang Technology Co., Ltd., Stäubli International AG, Suzhou Elite Robot Co., Ltd., Techman Robot Inc., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Universal Robots A/S, and Yaskawa Electric Corporation.

This research report categorizes the Collaborative Robots Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:

• Function
  • Hand Guiding
  • Power & Force Limiting
  • Safety-Rated Monitored Stop
  • Speed Reduction & Separation Monitoring
• Payload Capacity
  • Above 10kg
  • Between 5 & 10kg
  • Up to 5 Kg
• Component
  • Hardware
    • Controller
    • Drive
    • End Effector
    • Sensor
  • Software
• Industry
  • Automotive
  • Electronics
  • Food & Beverages
  • Furniture & Equipment
  • Healthcare
  • Metals & Machining
  • Plastics & Polymers
• Application
  • Assembly
  • Gluing & Welding
  • Machine Tending
  • Material Handling
  • Packaging & Palletizing
  • Pick & Place
  • Quality Testing

• Region
  • Americas
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • United States
      • California
      • Florida
      • Illinois
      • New York
      • Ohio
      • Pennsylvania
      • Texas
  • Asia-Pacific
    • Australia
    • China
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Japan
    • Malaysia
    • Philippines
    • Singapore
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
  • Europe, Middle East & Africa
    • Denmark
    • Egypt
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Netherlands
    • Nigeria
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Qatar
    • Russia
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Turkey
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom

1. Market Penetration: It presents comprehensive information on the market provided by key players.
2. Market Development: It delves deep into lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the penetration across mature market segments.
3. Market Diversification: It provides detailed information on new product launches, untapped geographic regions, recent developments, and investments.
4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: It conducts an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players.
5. Product Development & Innovation: It offers intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments.

1. What is the market size and forecast of the Collaborative Robots Market?
2. Which products, segments, applications, and areas should one consider investing in over the forecast period in the Collaborative Robots Market?
3. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Collaborative Robots Market?
4. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Collaborative Robots Market?
5. Which modes and strategic moves are suitable for entering the Collaborative Robots Market?